NETL’s onsite research effort is a national resource for fossil energy research and development, with a mission to create the knowledge base that enables the safe, sustainable utilization of our abundant, domestic energy resources.

NETL’s long history of leadership in the research and development of fossil energy reaches back to the days of NETL’s predecessor organization, the century-old U.S. Bureau of Mines. NETL’s scientists and engineers continue today to perform cutting-edge research in long-standing partnerships with universities, other research institutions and industry.

The onsite research program has a core group of over 100 federal scientists and engineers. Supplemental research support comes from contractors who are selected through a competitive process, as well as research fellows and associates at the faculty, postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels. This "corporate laboratory" utilizes state-of-the-art capabilities and facilities located in Morgantown, WV; Pittsburgh, PA; and Albany, OR.

Scientific understanding and technology development are accelerated by leveraging NETL’s competency in science-based prediction. Combining simulation with targeted experimental validation at actual conditions and in field applications reduces the risk, cost, and time to bring new innovations to market.